HEALTH TALK: Myths and facts about your bladder

Dr. Victor Emanuel MD

MYTH: Small Bladder, Big Problems

Some people blame frequent leaks on a small bladder, but your body’s normal “capacity” is seldom the true cause of a life-disrupting problem. In healthy people, that capacity ranges from 1 to 2 cups. The real culprit is likely to be weak muscles, medication side effects, infection, or nerve damage. Effective treatments are available.

FACT: Twice a Night isn’t Right

One bathroom trip during the night may be acceptable, but for two or more – called nocturia – it’s time for a check-up. To determine if it’s caused by a treatable condition, your doctor will want more information: a bathroom diary, record of fluid intake, and a list of medications and known illnesses. Some possible causes include drinking a lot just before bed, an enlarged prostate, certain medications, and overactive bladder.

MYTH: You need 8 glasses a day

We don’t all need eight glasses of water a day, the one-size-fits all health mantra that just won’t die. If you tend to leak, this could be why. Fluid needs differ, depending on your size and activity. The best advice for healthy people is to drink when you’re thirsty and stay hydrated. This keeps urine from becoming too concentrated and reduces the risk of developing kidney stones.

FACT: Anyone can have bladder trouble

Bladder problems impact men and women at many different stages of life. Though they might be more common in certain groups – including women who have had children, older adults, men with a history of prostate trouble, and people with spinal cord injuries – no one should suffer silently. People with problems should seek advice from the doc.

MYTH: Drinking Less is Best

Waving off the waiter when he tries to refill your glass may help a little. But doctors say a full functioning bladder should be able to handle a normal fluid intake. You might want to consider downsizing that morning cup of coffee or skipping the cola because caffeine is a bladder stimulant.

FACT: It’s Not Always a Prostate Problem

Plumbing problems in men can sometimes be caused by an overactive bladder, not related to an enlarged prostate. Both conditions can send men running to the bathroom again and again, but the treatments are different. Talk to the doctor about all your symptoms, what tests may be needed, and what treatments may be appropriate.

FACT: KEGEL Exercises Are For Men Too

You may have heard of women doing these bladder control moves after childbirth. Doctors recommend them for men too. While urinating, try stopping the flow midstream. Then, start again. The muscles that stop your flow are what you want to work on strengthening. Next, on an empty bladder, try contracting these muscles for 3 to 5 seconds and them release, and keep the stomach, buttocks, and legs relaxed. Work up to three sets of 10 repetitions each day. You can do Kegels anywhere, anytime, without anyone noticing.

FACT: A System and Schedule May Help

Bladder training is a first step that may help some people with overactive bladders. You resist the first urge to go and wait for the scheduled time. Gradually, you can try holding it longer. Together with Kegels, these two methods can cut overactive bladder episodes by half.

FACT: Shaping up for Bladder Control

A healthy lifestyle may play a supportive role in preventing and lessening some bladder problems. Getting regular physical activity and doing Kegel exercises can reduce stress incontinence, the leakage caused by coughing, laughing, or sneezing. And because carrying a lot of extra weight causes bladder troubles, slimming down may help too.

MYTH: Bladder Problems Are a Fact of Life

If bladder problems are bothering you, talk with your healthcare provider. Incontinence is a medical problem – not an inevitable part of aging. Treatments will depend on a person’s specific problem and overall health, and people who seek help often see improvements in their symptoms and their day to day life.

See you next week.

Copyright 2012 Dominica News Online, DURAVISION INC. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

Disclaimer: The comments posted do not necessarily reflect the views of DominicaNewsOnline.com and its parent company or any individual staff member. All comments are posted subject to approval by DominicaNewsOnline.com. We never censor based on political or ideological points of view, but we do try to maintain a sensible balance between free speech and responsible moderating.

We will delete comments that:

  • contain any material which violates or infringes the rights of any person, are defamatory or harassing or are purely ad hominem attacks
  • a reasonable person would consider abusive or profane
  • contain material which violates or encourages others to violate any applicable law
  • promote prejudice or prejudicial hatred of any kind
  • refer to people arrested or charged with a crime as though they had been found guilty
  • contain links to "chain letters", pornographic or obscene movies or graphic images
  • are off-topic and/or excessively long

See our full comment/user policy/agreement.

10 Comments

  1. help
    November 29, 2012

    Doc. what about someone who is 14 still bedwetting no matter how much he stays away from liquid before 7pm he still wets..i have tried different meds and nothing worked so now he is not taking anything and is embarrased when it happens and can’t beleive he still does..he sleeps very deep. and does not even feel when he is wet..embarrasing moment for him was at a boys camp most of the children made fun of him ..now he is approaching 15. :?:

  2. November 29, 2012

    HI DOC.I RESIDE IN THE WASHINGTON DC ARE I VISITE THE DOCTORS HERE.BUT TO BE TRUTHFULL.YOU TEACH ME MORE OF MY HEALTH THAN THEM I ALWAYS TELL THEM DOMINICA HAVE BETTER DOCTORS WE JUST NEED BETTER TOOLS. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORKS ….DAVE S

  3. out of south city
    November 28, 2012

    Dr. Emanuel, you always share some pertinent information. I trust that we will apply that in life. With the age of technology, there are so many voices and information out there that sometimes you don’t even know what’s true or right. I also believe that there’s a lot of information out there for the sake of money. We ought not to forget our natural way of living and be sold out to the synthetic. Our ancestors did not have all these health issues that we are faced with today. They ate natural foods which contributed to their longevity.
    Talking about synthetic, we need to realise also that natural fabrics/cloth are best for our skin for they help our pores to breathe better.
    The bottom line is we are a part of nature and when we deviate we pay a price.

  4. November 28, 2012

    Thanks for that info, Dr

  5. November 28, 2012

    We all need that real talk health note.. thanks doc. great work..and keep helping the ppl.

  6. THANKS
    November 28, 2012

    THANKS FOR THE INFO DOC. I JUST DIAGNOSED MY PROBLEM AND WILL TREAT WITH UR ADVICE

  7. flower
    November 28, 2012

    The Doc who hold on for you while you were gone did a good Job, Welcome back, Doc.

  8. Thank You!!
    November 28, 2012

    “MYTH: You need 8 glasses a day

    We don’t all need eight glasses of water a day, the one-size-fits all health mantra that just won’t die. If you tend to leak, this could be why. Fluid needs differ, depending on your size and activity. The best advice for healthy people is to drink when you’re thirsty and stay hydrated. This keeps urine from becoming too concentrated and reduces the risk of developing kidney stones”

  9. Really n Turly
    November 28, 2012

    Good morning Doctor;Thank You,and God Bless You.

  10. really
    November 28, 2012

    Thanks, Doc! Great stuff.

Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

:) :-D :wink: :( 8-O :lol: :-| :cry: 8) :-? :-P :-x :?: :oops: :twisted: :mrgreen: more »

 characters available